Houston Rockets' Dwight Howard: 'I have to keep my cool'

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard has admitted that he needs to maintain his composure better after getting ejected during last night's NBA playoff loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Howard was dismissed from the blowout contest with just under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter for picking up his second technical foul of the game.

He struggled all game long with foul trouble, posting just seven points and six rebounds in 18 minutes as the Clippers moved to within a game of clinching the Western Conference semi-final.

When asked about his foul trouble, Howard said afterwards: "It's frustrating. You get emotional by playing in the playoffs.

"I want to win so bad that it's frustrating at times. But I've just got to try my best to keep my cool."

Houston have to win three games in a row if they are to prevent the Clippers advancing to their first ever Conference Finals.